Hi All :wave:

I am 2 weeks post-op today...
Things are going well
ALOT of QVC shopping... :nono:

Alot of boredom, but I do try to sleep, watch TV, Internet, and avoid EATING

I have managed how to get in and out of the tub with my foot hanging over the side. :)

Planning on Las Vegas in June, and Caribean cruise in November.. :)

Still in my soft boot shoe, and go back to the MD Monday after next... :D

Hope you all are doing well... hang in there
(my back and butt hurts from sitting :yawn: )

Lou, I hear ya.I have been out of work since Jan. Not totally bed/couch bound the whole time but have been since my last surgery 4/4.Like I had said in one of my other posts that my bf asked me if I was growing roots.LOL Meaning roots to the couch.I will be going out tomorrow for a little while with my bf and son.Can't wait.I don't dare to even turn QVC on.Could be dangerous :nono:
Sue :angel:

Boy isn't that the truth Lou and Sue!!!! I'm crazy too and yes my butt and back hurt. I'm sitting here in my pj's looking at a stack of movies and not excited. In my busy days, I'd kill for this opportunity but I'm stir crazy now. I want to get out but don't know if I can find a way this weekend. My 17 year old son doesn't like to take me anywhere with my roll-a-bout (too embarassing). I'm going to have to resort to major begging if I am going to get out. Maybe I'll at least venture outside (this scares me after my last mishap) but that's an option. Take care ladies--this too will pass (I hope)!!
Linda

I know it
I keep telling myself in the early morning hours to pretend I have to get up and go to work,,,, usually I can then turn over and go back to sleep

Foot surgery is so limiting...even when you feel better, it's not possible to do light garden work, or go exercise...

I'm just trying to remind myself to take it easy and enjoy this break! :p

Las Vegas sounds like fun! :D

To pass the time, I read magazines. I have a bunch of them. This house looks like a bookstore. LOL

Take it easy! :)

Lou, that is the problem! Here we are healthy, feeling good... except for the foot/feet which halts us in our tracks! My sister is going to pick me up and bring me to my parents for tea & cookies. ANYTHING to get out of the house a while. I do get dressed most days, just so I don't feel so much like a bum!

Rollargirl, my 16 year old wouldn't be caught dead with me on one of those things either! Infact, I embrass him just being normal!

I am BORED, but do enjoy the time somewhat. I don't know if I will be saying that by the time foot #2 is done!

Feetfirst: Aren't teens funny!!! Yep, mine doesn't like going out with me during normal times either but the roll-a-bout is over the top to him!!! That's how I got my name "rollargirl"--my son's nickname for me. I get dressed too otherwise I'm too depressed although some days I don't want to. I'm going to try working some next week from a laptop on the sofa with my foot up. My job allows me to do this easily thank goodness.

When I do my next foot, I definitely want to do it differently. I was a total waste with this one, PJs all the time, and my home base was bed. Makes it really hard to sleep when the bed is your office and dining room! I also put on TWELVE pounds. Twelve! Not okay, and I refuse to have it happen again. My poor fiance feels so guilty, since he was the one feeding me, and he felt so bad for me that he gave me anything I wanted (just to shut me up? hmm.....).

Anyway, I know it's so frustrating. My office chair on wheels helped a lot, just letting me roll around a little...

Joll43, it is HARD having your bed as your home base. I pretty much am there 99% of the time, which is probably why I can't sleep tonight! It's 3:30 AM, and I am wide awake. I am cramped up and tired on sitting in one place - my butt hurts!

rollargirl, teens are funny! Just for the fun of it, I asked my son if he would take me to Walmart tomorrow, so I could shop sitting in there electric chairs. I told him I would need him to be with me to reach items high up. I knew what his answer would be, but he confirmed it by telling me he wouldn't be caught dead with me, and especially if I was in a wheelchair! They are so sweet, aren't they!

I was thinking about this surgery, and all my other past surgeries (2 c-sections, tonsils, stomach, and a couple more). This foot surgery is more difficult. It's not that I am in terrible pain, I am not, it is just that I am still hobbling around, and if I just do 20 minutes too much, it throws me back in bed for hours to ice & elevate. I am just so physically limited and that is what makes this recovery so hard. Oh.. I COULD go back to work, and prop my foot up there and take it easy, but I know that by doing so I would be up all night with a swollen foot and it would be hurting greatly.

oh and weight gain! Yikes, I already started 10 pounds heavier then the weight I like to be at. I struggle with my weight, and have lost 40 pounds 5 years ago on Weight Watchers, and kept it off except for these 10 pounds. I am trying to be careful... but just laying around makes me feel like I will be adding the pounds by the hour.

Feetfirst--Your story about Wallmart made my day!!! I'm going to try that with my son today. I don't have a Wallmart close by but I'll come up with something. You are so right about surgeries--I've had lots of others too but if you can't walk things are so much worse!!!!

And the weight--I can't even think about it. I've just ordered my mother of the bride dress for my daughter's wedding in Sept and I'm so worried about getting too fat for it while I sit on the sofa packing on pounds. I had to order the dress betweeen surgeries because my daughter insisted on approving the dress before she moves in three weeks and I will still be nwb by then. She's much better than a teen Feetfirst but still has some of those left over tendancies!!! I understand though since its her wedding but she has no concept of weight problems since she's a size 0! She told me I'll just have to diet if my dress is too tight--no kidding but at my age the weight doesn't fall off like it used to...sigh getting old stinks!!

I don't know how the weather is where you all live, but why would you be housebound for 14 days?? Make yourself get up and get dressed and at least try to walk down your drive way and back on crutches. It will do you a world of good....

I went back to work after 4 days and I had a major fusion done. I've been walking around ever since on crutches and believe me - that is exercise. Not only have I maintained my weight, I think I've lost.

I know everyone is different and I'm not saying that you CAN do this, but at least make yourself get up and walk around the house every day. Or do sit-ups while you are lying down. There are ways!

WOW nwill,

There's a pep talk. I might consider toning it down a notch though. We all would like to be dancing a jig right now! I was on crutches for 6 weeks solid. Its no fun. Sorry, but a trip to the mailbox or a lap around the house on crutches is still about as invigorating as getting a root canal. My cousin took me out of the house on my 4th day post op, we went to the bookstore and read all the rag mags then went to lunch. It was awful! My armpits were killing me and my foot throbbed like crazy. As the weeks wore on and my foot improved I was able to do more venturing out. It also took me a while to get used to the crutches. We all recuperate differently. I wouldn't slam someone for venting about being cooped up in the house if I were you. I am 13 weeks post op and back to my normal life. The first 6 weeks were pretty terrible but I took my time and babied my foot and myself. I didn't feel guilty one second for sittin on my rear end day after day while my husband ran the house and took care of my 2 small children. I wasn't going to risk hurting myself so I could take a stroll down the driveway. Like that would have made me feel better anyway???

Sharon, you go girl!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone is deffinetely different. We have all had different types of surgeries.Some of us listen to our Doctors orders and some of us don't.I do believe that the fresh air does make me feel better but that does not mean that I'm going to take a run around the house..........We also have to listen to our feet and my feet tell me to STOP only after a short period of time of being up and about.Hey maybe some of us are babies, who knows but that's OK. It is better to be safe than sorry.I have had so many surgeries on my feet over the past year and a half and I'm not taking any chances with this one.I don't care what anyone says about not going for a walk!
For those of you who take chances I envy you, but not me.
Sue :angel:

I was NOT slamming anyone - I was just suggesting that if you are feeling couped up to consider trying to take a short walk every day! I KNOW people heal differently and I would NEVER suggest that anyone was being a baby. I am the first to sympathize with anyone having had foot surgery - my experience has not been all fun and games! I do NOT have a husband that helps, so perhaps that has been my motivation to get around earlier than I should.

People tend to be overly sensitive on this board and take suggestions the wrong way. I cannot sit on a couch day in and day out - it's just not my make-up. But I was suggesting to those can't to get out to try small things to help motivate.

I apologize if I offended anyone!

Sensitive? Who are you calling sensitive? I am deeply offended by that - some of us can take it and some of us can't, but that doesn't mean any of us.......

Whew - I'm kidding.

Sharon, you know I agree with you, but if you read NWill's post, you'll see she had a fusion, not a bunionectomy - big difference. But Lou DID have a bunionectomy......

funny and good posts all... :)

I guess when you are couped up for a while you can get a bit crabby. :p

I went to church!! yes indeed wobbled right on up to my pew. :angel:

Also got my hair colored and cut Sat. ;)

My family all pitched in and mowed my yard, mulched and pruned. Beautiful weather here in Kentucky.... :cool:

I even drove myself home alone today, and ready to spend some time alone, just me and my big fat dog..

I am walking for no more than 15 minutes an hour per MD order

I go back to him next Monday

Overall, things are ok.. My foot is a bit sore at times, but not alot of swelling

Good to hear from everyone :wave:

By the way, Rollergirl, I also have a roll-about that I use in my home. I don't know what I would do without it because my husband will not cook or do laundry!! It's is wonderful in respect to having my hands free to do dishes, cook, and even do my hair before I go to work!! But it, too, is tiring because I constantly have to shift it around because the wheels do not turn! (I think we could have a patent on a roll-about that has a center front wheel that does turn! :) )

Anyway, I only use it in my home. My 13-year old son also thinks it's embarrassing!! But I took him to the mall yesterday to get some badly needed items since he is growing, growing, growing, and low and behold there was a woman in the mall on a roll-about!!! Here I was on crutches! I couldn't believe I saw someone who was going through the same agonizing foot surgery experience!

I'm 4-weeks NWB and have an appointment on the 25th of this month to remove my cast and have an x-ray and then the doc said "we will talk!" I'm praying I can begin partial weight bearing next week!!!! The only good thing is that my upper body is getting buff and strong - should improve my golf game!!!

Again - sorry if I offended anyone! I'm suffering too.... :D

nwill,
Girl, if you haven't figured out by now, we all get snappish now and again, but the great thing about it is we feel comfortable enough to do so!! These boards have been a tremendous help!!! I think of the boards as one big happy family, and I don't know about the rest of yall but my family snaps back and forth all the time!!!!! NO OFFENSE TAKEN! And i totally know what you mean about that upper body strenghth. I was so excited with my new muscles, in particular my shoulders, especially with bathing suit season right around the corner!!!!

Yes it is true when we are couped up inside it does get a bit annoying and we all get crabby at times. Especially if the weather is nice.I had said before I don't know if it is worse looking at the mess inside or outside and not being able to anything about it. I too am a single mom , my 15 year old daughter is a big help though.
Another thing to look at is....left or right foot surgery.I have had surgery on both of my feet but I find it way worse with the right foot.
Not being negative here but for any of you who have had surgery on your left foot and are waiting to have your right foot done be prepared for a much longer and tougher recovery time. I have also had bunionectomies, bunionette,hammertoe,tendon lengthening,sesamoid removal surgeries and this fusion is the worse.So I really don't think it makes a difference on what type of surgery you have.It is all a pain in the FOOT.LOL :D We just all need to listen to our Doctor's and most if all listen to our feet.
Sue :angel:

Let my husband tell you about my crabby side! After two weeks of him doing absolutely NOTHING (thank goodness for my kids!), I finally snapped when he put on a shirt and made a rude comment about it not being ironed! He'll also expect me to do the laundry and then because I can't carry it to put it away--he'll get his stuff and leave mine on the dryer! SO - yes, I've had many a gripe session in my home....maybe that's why it was so good to go back to work so soon!!! :bouncing:

I swore before my surgery that I'd have a great attitude no matter what, knowing that my help would be limited. But I NEVER guessed it would be this hard to be on crutches and my attitude ain't been perfect let me tell ya!

Well, I fixed my first tv dinner for myself and spilled the dam thing all over the floor :mad:

My gosh, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry, thank god the dog ate most of it up :)

HILARIOUS!
One morning I tried desperatly to fix myself some coffee (on crutches) let's just say, the coffee didn't get made and I said words I've never uttered before! I think foot surgery makes you grow as a person. I've learned a lot about myself this 3 months! I now don't make such a big deal of some stuff that used to irk me. After being laid up for so long i pick my battles better. I also appreciate my limbs so much more!!!!!

Isn't that the truth!
I have learned to respect handicap people more now also.(not that I did not before)Last week I went out to get a pizza with my family.Here I am on crutches trying to get through all these people/tables at the diner and this one Mother says to her teen kid" pull out Tommy "from the highchair, right in front of me when I was just trying to pass by them to get to my seat.No one has any consideration anymore. :eek: Well, I hope you all are doing/feeling better :)
Sue :angel:

good morning all :wave:

Ok, I successfully wrapped my foot and took a shower!!!!!!!!!! :cool:

I put on my capris denim, put on make up, and here I am, just like Morning Glory (ha ha). :jester:

This is gonna be a good day. :bouncing:

Hope you guys are doing well :angel:

Hello everyone! I been sick with a bad cold, and had a fever most of the day yesterday so I was grateful I was able to be home! Today, I feel MUCH better, took a shower and wrapped my own foot just like Lou! :) Anyone with bunionsurgery, did the doctor give you instructions on wrapping your foot and keeping the big toe straight? I am using a spacer (foam). The other thing I noticed is that all between my little toes I have sores! I think because my foot has been wrapped so tight for so long! I put a little guage inbetween them, and think it will improve. My foot is YUCKY, so MUCH dead skin!

I put a big, 5 gal plastic paint bucket in the shower so I could sit when washing. This helped me be able to was my feet so much better!

mwill, glad you have kids to help you. Sorry about your husband not helping, must be very hard to do this without support!

Sue & Sharon, being down sure does give you a whole new look and respect for people that are permanently handicapped.

Someone (I think Sue) mentioned that having your right foot done is harder, I would have to agree! I think I could drive to the store and grab a thing or two when needed, but I am unable to drive at all since my right foot had the surgery.

rollargirl, good luck with your mother of the bride dress! Hopefully, it will give you the motivation to stick to healthy eating! It's very hard.. I know!!!

I have a really red & tender spot on my foot, it hurts to just touch the area with my finger. I hope it is not any type of infection... I really don't know what to look for!

feetfirst,
I hope you are feeling better.I hope you dont have an infection.I had an infection and it is not fun!Does it feel warm,is the spot getting larger? Keep your eye on it!
Sue :angel:

Feetfirst--I've been told to put warm compresses on tender areas like you describe. Sorry you are under the weather. Just getting around is hard enough without feeling rotten too. I'm suppose to start working from home today and haven't even started yet and its almost noon. Had to get showered and dressed for doc appointment today and after feeding the animals and cleaning up, I'm exhaused. Doing the simple things is a huge effort, isn't it? My kids are minimally helpful and complain like crazy when I ask them to do things for me. Boy do they have a lot of surprises in store when they have their own family!!!!
Linda

sue, thanks! I will check it again and see if it is warm. It is such a chore to unwrap it and rewrap it so that it is comfortable.

rollargirl, I am glad you posted your last message about being exhausted! I too find it exhausting to shower, dress, do a couple simply things around the house! I was blaming it on being out of shape, but maybe it has much more to do with the surgery!

I am feeling much better, still stuffed up, but I am out of bed and downstairs on the computer. I plan on going into the office for 2 hours tomorrow.. may wait till Thursday.

feetfirst,
I wore the foam seperators but didn't have to have my foot wrapped anymore after the pins came out which was week 5 I believe. I also had the sores in between toes and tons of dry gross dead skin that peeled off like a snake. Very disgusting. The red tender spot though, I would get looked at for sure!!! Yes, the little things were exhausting!! The very act of getting up and going from one room to the other was hard work! I'm sure glad that is behind me (Im 13 weeks post op). Hope you get to feeling better soon!
Sharon

NO OFFICE FEET FIRST NO OFFICE TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :nono:

hELLO ALL

Feet first I do have a foam spacer in between my big and second toe. the doctor told me I could take a bath and get the foot wet, but in the shower I had to keep the shoe on.. my feet are getting icky too... I haven't gotten the incision wet yet.... maybe this weekend before I go see him on Monday.. Hope you are doing ok all :)